Testosterone: general information and ways to normalize levels

Fast Facts About Testosterone

1. Testosterone regulates several important processes in the male body.
2. Testosterone levels decrease as you age.
3. Hormone supplements do not have a significant effect on testosterone levels.
4. Testosterone supplements are prescribed only in special cases. These supplements do not prevent the natural (i.e. age-related) decline in testosterone levels.
5. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is also available for men. However, as in women, it is associated with serious side effects and risks.

Application

Theoretically, testosterone can be used in addition to sports nutrition for cutting. There is a profit from this, but you should consult with an endocrinologist and take weekly tests to determine the current level of “free” testosterone in the blood.

Exceeding the recommended dosage will entail not only sports disqualification, but also many side effects. The most common side effects of testosterone are:

• 
  massive acne on the body (most often appears on the back, and then spreads throughout the body);

• deterioration of libido (sexual attraction to the opposite sex);
• inhibition of natural testosterone synthesis;
• acceleration of hair loss (most often in the temporal region and on the back of the head).

And the recommended dosage of testosterone (in the form of a ready-made testosterone enanthate injection) for beginners is 250 milligrams in injection form per week, but not more than 8 weeks in a row. In this case, a restorative course of pharmacology may subsequently be required.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is the male sex hormone

Testosterone is a hormone that is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics. Hormones are chemical messengers that provoke necessary changes in the body. Women also produce testosterone, but in much smaller quantities than men.

Testosterone is a type of androgen that is secreted primarily by the ovaries in cells called Leydig cells.

In addition to producing sperm, testosterone performs many other functions in a man's body, including the following:

• sexual desire;
• bone mass development;
• fat distribution;
• muscle growth and strengthening;
• production of red blood cells.

Without sufficient levels of testosterone in his body, a man can become infertile, since testosterone helps the development of mature sperm.

Although testosterone is considered a male hormone, it also affects sexual performance, bone strength and muscle strength in women. However, excess testosterone in the body can lead women to male pattern baldness, as well as infertility.

Testosterone levels are regulated by the brain and pituitary gland. Immediately after production, this hormone is sent into the blood to perform its many and important functions.

List of drugs for muscle growth in bodybuilding

You can purchase a testosterone-based product at most pharmacies, since medications in this group are used by patients whose testosterone levels have become pathologically low.

Some products are sold without permission from a doctor, others - only after the pharmacist has read the prescription. Which of these drugs is better is up to you to decide.

Prescription drugs in pharmacies

• 
  Retabolil. A synthetic derivative of the male hormone - the substance nondranolone - enhances the growth of muscle cells.
  Often used in a 7-week course of 200–600 mg per week. Contraindications: nephrotic syndrome, liver failure, myocardial infarction.

• 
  Omnadren.
  The basis of the medication is testosterone propionate. 1 ampoule contains 250 mg/1 ml.

  Course: 1 ampoule (weekly) for 2 months.

• 
  Gonadotropin. The course is no more than 2.5 months, the weekly dose is from 100 mg to 1 g (depending on experience in bodybuilding).
  Used for high-level athletes, it provides protection against temporary testicular atrophy during the anabolic cycle. Cons: high level of aromatization and the likelihood of developing tumors of the gonads. Limitations: asthma, pituitary tumors, hormone-dependent formations.

• 
  Anastrozole. An anti-estrogen agent that protects against the development of gynecomastia and reduces the risk of gaining adipose tissue.
  It is considered more effective than Tamoxifen. Taboo on admission: coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, hypercholesterolemia.

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Pharmaceuticals available without a doctor's prescription

The sale of androgenic drugs is indicated for pharmacies, but not all companies follow this recommendation. Most often you can buy Nebido, Methandrostenolone, Sustanon without a prescription.

1. 
   Nebido. The active ingredient is testosterone undecanoate, which further enhances immunity.
   Similar to enanthate, but its period of influence is longer. The German remedy acts slowly - the effect appears by day 14 due to its long half-life. If you use 1 ampoule every 2 weeks, you will be able to gain 2–4 kg no earlier than after 12–14 weeks.

2. 
   Methandrostenolone .
   Modified testosterone tablets are taken for 6 to 8 weeks (dosage - 5-30 mg per day). When used for longer, the hepatotoxic effect increases.

   Retains water and is contraindicated for any liver disorders.

3. 
   Sustanon is the trade name of a medication containing propionate in testosterone (the restrictions are the same).
   Take 1 ampoule every 1–3 weeks to accelerate weight gain.

More often, online pharmacies sell steroids without a prescription.

Over-the-counter products in sports nutrition stores

• 
  Testosterone enanthate.
  For experienced athletes and “beginners”, for the first 8 weeks the medication is used at a dose of 250 g (1 ampoule per week) and together with Turinabol (40 g daily).

  For athletes with extensive experience, the use of 1 g of testosterone and 300 mg of Trenbolone (once a week) is recommended. Long half-life - from 5 to 7 days. Course - 2 months. The expected effect is plus 7–10 kg per course, from “solo” – 4–5 kg.

• 
  Testosterone cypionate. The injection component is often used in a solo course: 250–500 mg is used once a week for 8 weeks.
  A combined course is often carried out in combination with Nandrolone (increase - up to 6 kg), which is also taken 200 mg once every 7 days.

• 
  Testosterone propionate. The most popular ampoule preparation for weight gain.
  The technique of administration is completely similar to cypionate, the duration varies from 8 to 10 weeks. As part of PCT, due to the high conversion to estrogens, it is often combined with Tamoxifen.

• 
  Testosterona P. A convenient drug for beginners: 1 ampoule contains 100 mg/1 ml of active ingredient.
  Course: 50 or 100 mg every 1 day, combination with Winstrol (with a similar dosing interval) of 100 mg is allowed. An alternative option is to use Test P 100.

Almost all products based on testosterone esters have the same restrictions on use: inflammatory processes or prostate cancer, physiological failure of individual organs (liver and kidneys), hypercalcemia.

Fact. The expected weight gain in a solo course for testosterone derivatives is almost the same - up to 5-6 kg per 1 course.

Sports supplements

Various boosters are sold without a prescription. Almost all products in this group are testosterone boosters, that is, they do not contain an artificially synthesized hormone, but include components that increase its concentration in the blood.

• 
  ZMA.
  Two capsules are taken daily one hour to 30 minutes before bedtime.

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  The beneficial effects are based on a combination of vitamin B6, magnesium and zinc.

• 
  Premium Testosteron Booster 12.
  After 12 days, the booster increases the androgen content by 42% due to the effect of D-aspartic acid.

  Take until the effect appears, 4 capsules per day with breakfast.

• 
  T-Up Black.
  Affects the endogenous level of testosterone, which accelerates the growth of muscle tissue.

  The effect is similar to using PT Booster 12 due to the same composition.

• 
  6-OXO Extreme. A new artificially synthesized substance can significantly suppress estrogens (the transition of testosterone to the female hormone is blocked).
  Necessary for obtaining hard and “dry” muscles. Directions for use: 3-6 capsules in the evening along with your usual meals, duration - from 4 to 6 weeks.

Sports nutrition is relatively safe and therefore has no strict contraindications.

Warning. Gels and patches are rarely used for muscle gain in bodybuilding because they are less effective than the injectable form of the hormone.

Testosterone imbalance

Testosterone levels in the body naturally decline as we age

High or low testosterone levels can cause problems in the parts of the body that are regulated by this hormone.

When a man has low testosterone or hypogonadism, he may experience the following symptoms:

• decreased sexual desire;
• erectile disfunction;
• low sperm volume;
• enlarged or swollen breast tissue.

Over time, these symptoms may develop into the following:

• loss of body hair;
• loss of muscle mass;
• loss of muscle strength;
• increase in body fat.

Chronic or persistently low testosterone levels can cause osteoporosis, mood swings, decreased energy, and shrinkage of the testicles.

Causes of low testosterone levels may include:

• testicular injuries;
• testicular infections;
• medications, such as opioid analgesics;
• disorders that affect hormones, such as pituitary tumors or high prolactin levels;
• chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, kidney and liver disease, obesity, HIV/AIDS;
• genetic diseases such as Klinefelter syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, hemochromatosis, Kallmann syndrome and myotonic dystrophy.

Too much testosterone can provoke early puberty (before reaching the age of nine). This condition affects only young men and is quite rare.

But in women, high testosterone levels can lead to male pattern baldness, a rough voice and menstrual disorders. In addition, sometimes women experience the following symptoms:

• growth and swelling of the clitoris;
• breast reduction;
• oily skin;
• acne;
• an increase in body hair, the appearance of hair near the lips and on the chin.

Based on recent studies, scientists have suggested that there is a connection between high testosterone levels and the development of uterine fibroids in women.

Testosterone imbalance can be detected through a blood test and then treated.

Half-life[edit | edit code]

Conventional Graphical Representation
Because of the overlapping meanings of pharmacological terms, there is often disagreement about the half-life of various esters. There are two different concepts:[4]

• Half-life or half-life
  (T1/2) - the time required to halve the concentration of the drug in the blood depends on the elimination rate constant[5] (T1/2= 0.693/Kel) and absorption[6], as a limiting factor.[7 ] It is this indicator that is important for calculations related to building a course and conducting post-course therapy.
• The half-absorption period
  (T1/2,a) is the time required for the absorption of half the dose of the drug from the injection site into the blood, proportional to the absorption rate constant (T1/2,a = 0.693/Ka). The pharmacokinetics of essential drugs proceeds according to the “flip-flop” type [8], therefore the half-absorption rate also characterizes the time required for the destruction of half of the administered dose of the drug, and therefore confusion arises.

Simply put, half-life reflects the concentration of a drug in the blood, and half-absorption tells the amount of that drug remaining in the body. Example:

after an injection of nandrolone decanoate 100 mg, the concentration of the drug will drop by half after 7 days, after another 7 days by four times, etc., while 50% of the drug will be destroyed only after 14-15 days.
Formally, the effect of the drug ends after 4 half-lives, when approximately 5% concentration remains. Concentration of nandrolone in the blood after injection (Wilma M. Bagchus, 2005) For a visual representation
Most often on the Internet you can find charts of half-absorption of esters, which must be divided by 2 to obtain the half-life characterizing the concentration of the anabolic in the blood. The following are the half-lives for anabolic drugs in the blood, taken from various scientific sources:[9][10][11][12][13]

• Format 0.5 days
• Acetate 1 day
• Propionate 1-2 days
• Phenylpropionate 2 days
• Butyrate 2-3 days
• Valerat 3 days
• Hexanoate 3-4 days
• Caproate 4-5 days
• Isocaproate 4-5 days
• Heptanoate 5-6 days
• Enanthate 5-6 days
• Hexahydrobenzyl carbonate (cyclohexyl methyl carbonate) 6-7 days
• Octanoate 6-7 days
• Cypionate 6-7 days
• Nonanoate 7 days
• Decanoate 7-8 days
• Undecanoate 8 days
• Undecylenate 8-9 days
• Laurat 10 days

Injecting into the deltoid muscle instead of the gluteal muscle slows down elimination. The type of solvent oil also plays a significant role. Research by Chaudry and James showed that as the carbon chain lengthens, anabolic activity increases and androgenic activity decreases.[14]

Testosterone levels and aging

Testosterone levels in a man's body decrease as he ages. The effects of gradually reducing hormone levels have received close attention from scientists and doctors in recent years. This condition is also called late-onset hypogonadism.

After age forty, circulating testosterone concentrations drop by about 1.6% each year in most men. At age 60, low testosterone levels can lead to a diagnosis consistent with hypogonadism in young men.

About 4 in 10 men have hypogonadism by age 45. In the United States, the number of cases diagnosed with low testosterone levels increased by 170% from 2012 to 2020.

Low testosterone levels are associated with increased mortality in older men. Late-onset hypogonadism is now a recognized medical condition, although many of its symptoms are caused by the body's natural aging process.

The importance of the hormone testosterone in sports

In the body of an athlete, the most striking manifestation of testosterone is expressed in its anabolic effect. By interacting with many chemical elements, it activates protein synthesis in muscle cells. This leads to rapid muscle tissue growth.

Interestingly, testosterone secretion is highly dependent on physical activity. The harder an athlete trains, the more hormone is produced. The result is a build-up of the muscle group that is subject to the greatest load.

Testosterone significantly affects the structure of bone tissue. The amount of hormone determines its strength and density. It promotes calcium absorption and its deposition in bones.

Androgen affects the athlete's psyche. Its high level causes a person to be competitive, to want to be first, to achieve success and, most importantly, to make sacrifices to achieve the goal - to endure discomfort and hunger, to overcome pain and make serious efforts.

Important! A level of testosterone means a great body and high results.

Treatment for low testosterone levels

The principles of treatment of hypogonadism resulting from injury and disease differ from those used in therapy in older men.

Testosterone supplements

One treatment for low testosterone is testosterone supplements, which are not approved by government agencies in most developed countries.

One study examined the effects of testosterone supplements on men who took 80 milligrams (mg) of the supplement per day. Scientists have paid particular attention to the potential effects of testosterone:

• functional mobility;
• cognitive ability;
• bone mineral density;
• body structure;
• lipids;
• the quality of life.

Researchers found no side effects in men who took two servings of the supplement per day. However, they did not see any beneficial effects on functional mobility, bone mineral density, or cognition. Minor positive results were obtained in strengthening body structure and metabolism.

Compared to the effect of taking a placebo, the effect of taking testosterone was expressed as follows:

• increasing muscle mass;
• reduction of fat deposits.

However, until more evidence is available about the benefits and safety of testosterone supplements, this type of treatment should only be used in cases where men have acute symptoms of low testosterone levels.

Testosterone replacement therapy

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can sometimes help restore or maintain some of the functions affected by low testosterone levels.

Studies have shown that TRT mainly affects bone strength and hemoglobin levels in the blood, but not mental performance.

Treatment can be prescribed in the form of:

• skin gels and patches;
• injections;
• tablets that are absorbed through the gums.

The effects of TRT include the following:

• increased number of red blood cells in the blood;
• breast and prostate enlargement;
• acne;
• in rare cases, difficulty breathing during sleep;
• increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, although this topic is still the subject of debate.

Important! When a man decides whether TRT is appropriate, he must weigh the potential benefits against the possible individual risks of this type of treatment.

For example, recent studies have shown that normalizing testosterone levels with TRT has the added benefit of reducing overall mortality and stroke.

However, one cannot fail to mention the fact that the results of different scientific works often contradict each other. Therefore, modern medicine needs to study this issue in more depth to fully understand the benefits and potential risks of TRT, and to identify groups of patients who may benefit most from such treatment.

Tests and examinations for deviations from the norm

Today, all babies in the maternity hospital are examined for congenital pathologies - blood is taken from the heel for analysis.

This way you can identify adrenogenital syndrome.

In men and women, if abnormal testosterone is suspected, a special blood test and examination is performed to understand the cause.

To do this, the general hormonal background is examined, an ultrasound of the internal organs, adrenal glands is performed, in women there is also an ultrasound of the mammary glands, in men - of the testicles and prostate gland.

An MRI of the adrenal glands, brain, pituitary gland is also done, and a blood test is performed to detect cholesterol and sugar levels.

Blood for this test is taken from a vein and results can usually be obtained the next day.

To obtain real data, you need to donate blood on an empty stomach.

If you are taking any hormonal medications, your doctor may stop taking them a couple of days before the test.

Try not to overwork during training at least 10-12 hours before, and, of course, eliminate bad habits if you have them.

It is also important to remember about proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle

If a deviation is detected, the doctor can prescribe a set of measures that will eliminate the reasons that could lead to such a violation.

Prohormonal supplements

Prohormone supplements are often used to build muscle mass, however they provide virtually no benefit in treating low testosterone levels

Prohormones are a range of steroids that men often use to lose weight and build muscle. The modern market offers numerous prohormonal supplements to treat low testosterone levels. Such supplements may include dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and the herbal product Tribulus terrestris (tribulus terrestris). However, in many developed countries, anabolic steroids are prohibited by law.

Legal versions of supplements are widely used at the moment. However, there is very limited scientific evidence that prohormone supplements have an effect on testosterone levels, although they may pose health risks. The law does not require supplements to be tested for safety before sale, so it is advisable to take precautions when purchasing them.

Prohormones can increase testosterone levels, but at the same time increase the level of the female sex hormone estrogen. They can also cause an imbalance of cholesterol in the blood, that is, a decrease in the level of “good” cholesterol.

The potential side effects of prohormones along with unproven clinical benefits make prohormones a potentially dangerous choice for men who want to increase their testosterone levels.

How to level up?

Vitamins

Vitamins are a type of micronutrients, without which a wide variety of disorders can occur in the body, including a decrease in testosterone levels in men.

It is important to understand that absolutely all vitamins are necessary, but a special role in the secretion of the hormone is played by:

1. Vitamin C.
2. Vitamin E
3. Vitamin F (omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids).
4. All B vitamins.

Vitamins C, F, B are directly involved in the synthesis of testosterone, while vitamin E, being a strong antioxidant, protects it from destruction.

Food

The basis for increasing and normalizing testosterone levels is a properly designed diet (detailed article on how to increase testosterone in men). What a person eats determines the level of not only testosterone, but also all other hormones. That is why you should reconsider your diet and give up most unnecessary, and often harmful, foods.

List of required products:

• Nuts . Nuts contain a very large amount of vitamins and minerals necessary for the synthesis of testosterone. The largest amount of beneficial micronutrients is contained in walnuts. Pistachios and hazelnuts are also beneficial;
• Seafood. They contain a lot of zinc, the main chemical element of the testosterone molecule. In addition, seafood, especially fish, is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6). The most useful are: shrimp, anchovies, saury, salmon, perch, crabs, trout.
• Vegetables . The content of a large amount of organic micronutrients in vegetables has a positive effect on testosterone levels, and celery contains androsterone, a plant analogue of testosterone, which can enhance human sexual performance. The healthiest vegetables: celery, avocado, broccoli, zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant, cabbage.
• Fruits . Fresh fruits contain lutein, a substance that enhances the secretion of testosterone. The largest amount of lutein is found in: oranges, papaya, pumpkin, carrots, pineapples, peaches, apricots, pears, melons, persimmons, grapes;
• Popeye the Sailor loved to eat spinach, which increased his strength . Surely many remember the cartoon about Popeye the sailor, who loved spinach. And the love for spinach is not without reason. This plant contains large amounts of androsterone, a plant analogue of testosterone. In addition, it contains plant micronutrients necessary for the synthesis of testosterone. Healthy greens: spinach, mustard, onion, parsley, cilantro.
• Clams and oysters . The legendary Casanova consumed large quantities of oysters every day, believing that they provided him with masculine strength. And, partly, this is true. Shellfish and oysters contain record amounts of zinc, which is invaluable for increasing testosterone levels.
• Herbs . There are a huge number of herbs that in one way or another affect testosterone levels. Based on these herbs, a huge number of drugs have been created that increase testosterone levels. The most valuable herbs: Tribulus terrestris, ginseng, Eleutherococcus, golden root.
• Porridge . Thanks to fiber, which is contained in large quantities in porridges, blood circulation in the pelvic organs improves. Increased nutrition of the testicles has a positive effect on testosterone production.

A detailed description of how to make a protein shake at home. Tasty and effective advice from nutritionists!

The right tips for warming up before training.

Review of the exercise - shrugs with dumbbells! https://stroy-telo.com/trenirovka-v-zale/uprazhneniya/dlya-trapetsii/shragi-so-shtangoj-i-gantelyami-opisanie-i-tekhnika-vypolneniya.html

Leveling up with training

Strength training can increase testosterone levels. The most influential exercises are the basic ones. Among them:

• squats;
• deadlift;
• bench press

An interesting fact: if you exercise surrounded by your fair sex, the level of hormone production increases by 40%.

Ways to increase endogenous testosterone

I advise athletes to increase the level of endogenous or natural testosterone using 5 simple techniques.

Iron training or bodybuilding

The best exercises to increase testosterone are compound exercises. On their basis, not only modern bodybuilding is formed, but also powerlifting. These include:

• squats;
• deadlift;
• bench press

These exercises are also multi-joint. Particular attention should be paid to the execution technique. Beginners are advised to perform these exercises under the guidance of a personal trainer, especially at the initial stage.

Correct technique and warm-up

When performing an exercise with the wrong technique, the risk of injury increases, which often spoils a person’s impression of the sport.

And also, many athletes advise training under the guidance of more experienced bodybuilders who can suggest important nuances regarding the correct execution of these exercises. Beginners should consult a doctor before starting to perform these exercises, since basic exercises maximally utilize all body functions.

Warm-up also plays an important role when performing the basics. You need to warm up for at least 15 minutes, paying special attention to warming up your joints.

Squats

Squats with a barbell on the shoulders will require the most delicate technique compared to deadlifts and bench presses. To perform this exercise correctly, you need to place your feet shoulder-width apart. In this case, your back must be kept as straight as possible.

The chest must be pulled forward. The barbell should be placed at the top point of the trapezius and begin squatting as slowly as possible, controlling the movement. In this case, the thighs should be parallel to the floor. After this, straighten your knees. If necessary, repeat the above movements.

Deadlift

When performing a deadlift correctly, you need to position your legs and feet perfectly, lean forward a little and begin lifting the apparatus with a straight back. The chest should be slightly arched forward and the legs should be slightly bent at the knees. The bar moves to the highest point of the press, stays there for a short time and lowers to the starting position at a low pace.

Bench press

To press a barbell you will need a special bench. First, you need to take a lying position on a bench, with your legs bent at the knees and your feet placed wider than your shoulders.

Bring your shoulder blades together and grab the bar wider than shoulder level. After this, the barbell is removed from the rack, raised with your hands above you, while making sure that your arms are straight.

After this, lower the bar slowly down to the lower part of the chest, take a short pause and again raise the projectile to the starting position.

To maximize testosterone levels, basic exercises should be performed with as few repetitions as possible (preferably less than 8).

Accordingly, the training weight will be the greatest, which will allow maximum use of the muscular structure of the body. Various increases in the number of repetitions, of course, will allow more blood to be pumped into the muscles, but this is not as effective for increasing testosterone.